Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Founder of Randy’s Do it Best Hardware Randy Andes recently announced his retirement after serving the independent hardware industry for over 50 years.
Christian Herrick, Randy’s Hardware CEO and Andes’ son-in-law, will take over ownership at the company following Andes’ retirement.
Herrick began working at Randy’s Hardware sweeping floors and taking inventory during his college years. He credits Randy as a mentor who helped him learn about the hardware industry, how to run a successful store and what it means to be an ethical manager and employer.
“The most rewarding part of working with Randy has been absorbing his management skills,” Herrick says. “He has carefully honed his abilities to manage people exceptionally well for the last 50 years. I was extremely lucky to work closely alongside him for almost 17 of those years.”
Andes leaves a legacy of dedicated service, unmatched care for customers and community involvement.
“Part of working in the industry is helping people solve problems and teaching new employees how to solve problems— that’s the part I really enjoy,” Andes says.
“Randy has a wealth of knowledge both on the hardware side and the management side,” Herrick says. “Working with him has helped me learn that it’s OK to make mistakes and it’s OK for your team to make mistakes.”
In his retirement, Andes says he plans to finish some projects he’s started, spend more time with his grandchildren and enjoy more car shows and outdoor activities.
“As I take over ownership, I want to stress that although Randy won’t be here day in and day out, things around Randy’s Hardware will remain the same,” Herrick says. “We’ll continue to operate as he has illustrated for us.”
